British government can’t be trusted to represent North in negotiations - McGuinness

Sinn Fein MLA for Foyle and deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness.

Sinn Féin MLA Martin McGuinness has said the British government cannot be trusted to represent the best interests of the people of the North in Brexit negotiations.

Speaking at an economic conference in Derry on Wednesday, Mr McGuinness said he doubts whether the British government is taking the impact of Brexit upon the North seriously.

“I will be travelling to London to meet the British prime minister, as well as the First Ministers of Scotland and Wales to ascertain whether this British government knows what it is doing over Brexit.

“Key areas of concern were identified in the joint letter from Arlene Foster and myself and the question is whether the British government is taking those seriously and the answer is I don’t think so.

Mr. McGuinness added that he will do everything in his power to make sure the North can establish a special relationship with the EU when Brexit happens.

“I don’t trust this British government to negotiate on our behalf. They don’t have the best interests of the people of the North at heart.

“And despite what James Brokenshire may say, he will not be my representative at those negotiations. That is the responsibility of elected representatives here.

“I represent the 56 per cent of people who voted to remain in the EU. Our democratic wishes need to be listened to and respected.”